Camp Rocks 2018 sponsored by the Hall Foundation

On May 22, campers, volunteers, and teachers arrived for the annual Camp Rocks sponsored by the Hall Foundation. Every year, the Hall Foundation makes a donation that provides the opportunity for groups from Montgomery, Dothan, and Florida to attend Camp ASCCA for a week. There is also a group of students from the University of North Alabama who travel to Camp each year to volunteer for the session.

The OutPost was a new adventure for the groups last year, and this year, some campers had the opportunity to experience the new Levi Perkins Roswell Zipline at the fishing pond. Throughout the week, we were battling a high chance of rain but managed to make it through most of our outdoor activities. Program Director Amber Cotney designed the week’s schedule to include plenty of adventurous activities, along with a backup plan in case of rain. On Wednesday, each group had designated times to visit the zipline, pool, and waterslide.

After a successful day of rotations, an afternoon of free choice activities was up for grabs, and while many campers visited the swimming pool, a large group visited one of our newer activities outside the pavilion, the trampoline. Each participant wears a harness and is attached to bungee cords that are moved and operated by a member of the adventure staff, and with each jump, they are able to reach new heights. One camper shouted at his highest point, “I can see the whole world!” The smiles and laughs made for an unforgettable afternoon.

The talent show is a popular evening program at ASCCA because campers and staff cannot wait to celebrate each other’s talents. Some campers come ready to sing their favorite songs while others arrive ready to show off their athletic skills. This year’s Camp Rocks Talent Show came with unforgettable vocal performances, dance routines, and a basketball skills drill. Several of the UNA students were also included in performances as their friendships grew with campers throughout the week.

We had planned for Thursday to be a day of rotations at the LPR zipline, tubing, and boat rides, but after the first rotation, a storm cloud rolled in, leading us all to the gym for rainy day activities. Campers and volunteers spent most of the day in the gym playing basketball, volleyball, card games, and we even enjoyed a few rounds of karaoke. Despite the rainy forecast, the fun never stopped. By midafternoon, everyone was anxiously awaiting the final program of the week, THE DANCE! Everyone headed back to the cabins early so that they would have plenty of time to shower and put on their best dancing outfits.

After dinner, campers paired off with their best friends and were ready to boogie the night away. Outdoor Education Director Cody Graham was the DJ for the night and played many popular hits and camper favorites for one of the longest dances in camp history. It was definitely a night to remember and the memories will last a lifetime. By the time the dance was over, everyone was exhausted but also so happy to end the week with their best friends, old and new.

We are so thankful for the Hall Foundation’s support for Camp Rocks each year and their donations made to help campers attend in the summer! Everyone looks forward to this event and the endless possibilities that are offered through our programs. Visit our Flickr page here to see more moments from Camp Rocks 2018.